Seven of Black Diamond's Most Popular Backpacks

Seven of Black Diamond's Most Popular Backpack reviews:

* Sonic (AKA Rugzak)

* Nitro

* Hollowpoint

* Bullet

* Shot

* Blaze

* Mission 75

I own and use each of these seven Black Diamond backpacks. I test a lot of different gear for many different manufacturers and I've found the Black Diamond backpacks (regardless of model) are lightweight but durable.

In comparison, Military Packs are designed essentially designed to carry between 80 and 100 lbs of gear. In real life, the average hiker/climber/backpacker carry less than half the 90lbs a Military pack is designed for, so why not design packs to be lighter and more comfortable?

Black Diamond did exactly that by taking a different direction in designing and building their civilian packs.

Choosing the right pack for hiking or climbing is important

Black Diamond Backpacks are made for the serious backpacker. That's a true statement, (well sort of) the truth is, they are made NOT just for the serious backpacker, but for anyone and everyone. But keep in mind, if you are a serious backpacker, hiker, climber? Black DFiamond has a pack for you. As an example, take the Black Diamond Sonic (Rugzak). It's a bigger pack than most out there, allowing me to carry more items, but is not bulky and does not sacrifice freedom of movement.

Although this pack is a tad heavier than the Hollowpoint, (coming in at 2 1/2 lbs empty,) you'll still find that the Sonic weighs half as much as a Military pack when empty. Even though the Sonic (Rugzak) is considered a "Day Pack", I have found that it's quite comfortable, versatile and workable for extended trips. I carry a small waterproof cover for all of my backpacks that I use anyway. One thing you absolutely cannot depend upon......is the weather. Be prepared.

The hip belts on this pack are soft, breathable 3D mesh and are made wider, for comfort. Those straps are mounted on a central swivel, for that "freedom of movement" I was talking about. Black Diamond calls it, their "ergoACTIV suspension." That means ( in plain English), if you have a loaded pack on your back, the last thing you want to worry about while scrambling up some ridge, is binding or limited hip movement. This pack will never bind you at the waist and/or hip. This small swivel allows for hip movement one direction, while the pack is free to move with it or away.

Another thing I like, is that it has a small zippered compartment in the belt. That compartment is big enough for a light jacket, light sticks or whatever. It also has stretch side pockets for easy access to the 'must have' items (or in my case, snacks.) If you want something to carry a tent, sleeping bag, some meals and a stove for that weekend getaway, this Sonic Backpack (aka Rugzak) is the pack for you.

A truly versatile and useful pack for the money.

The Shot and the Blaze Backpacks. Anything and everything I like or dislike and why is listed.

I love a top loader

Next up is the Hollowpoint Backpack. It's a great day pack or even a pack for a weekend gig. I find it simplicity in itself.

It's a top loader, (for those who know me, I like top loader's the best) The reason for that is simple, there are not a ton of zippers to fiddle with. If you're just going on a day hike, there's room for food, emergency shelter, spare clothes (if you get wet,) extra jackets, etc.

Not to mention a few snacks and of course a first aid kit and safety equipment. The more times you use this lightweight and great backpack, the more uses you will come up with.

Remember when I said Military packs were heavy? Well, at just over a pound empty, the Hollowpoint Backpack is considered a lightweight pack. But it's tough enough to take on even the harshest conditions. The pack itself is only 20" long, but has a ton of interior room. The straps for your shoulders are wide and padded and like I said: "I like the top loader feature the best."

Not only that, but it has an outer side pocket for quick access to items like a trail snack to get you through the morning before lunch or the afternoon before you camp for the night. Whatever you choose to put in the pocket's, you will have easy access and of course, the pack is hydration compatible. (I carry a 100 oz hydration bladder) If you want to know about hydration bladders for these packs or any packs, just Google the name and Amazon has tons for sale.

Unlike many packs on the market?

The Hollowpoint Backpack's chest and waist bands distribute the weight of the pack, as opposed to just supporting it.

In closing

In this review of seven of Black Diamond's most popular backpacks, I have described how and why they make a cleanly designed line of packs. Backpacks with enough interior room to carry all your necessities for a great day (or days) outside. Carrying a hydration bladder as an example, so you can stay hydrated on your outdoor adventure and not carry water bottles?

The best invention ever. "TRANSLATION:" No more discarded water bottles on the trail

Weight distribution, size consideration of the individual backpacker are all things to consider when selecting a backpack. Waist, chest and shoulder straps with padding are a mainstay of their backpacks which help to distribute, not hang the weight of the pack. Quality materials of the lightest yet strongest materials are used in the construction and all....carry a great warranty. Take a serious look at the Black Diamond line. You'll be glad you did.

Thanks for reading today, stay safe and I'll see you on the trail--CampingmanNW